The Most Common Car Accident Scenarios

One never wishes for a car accident, but even the best driver can get distracted or find themselves unable to avoid another person’s poor decision. Note some of the most common accident scenarios so if you are ever in a similar situation, you can remind yourself to stay alert and watch out for other drivers.

1. The rear-end. It can be really easy to drive along and not really pay attention to how close you are to the car in front of you. All of a sudden you realize you’re approaching the car in front of you quickly because they stopped and you don’t have time to maneuver. Allow at least three seconds between you and the vehicle in front of you. Start counting when the person in front of you passes a landmark, such as a tree or road sign, and if you pass it before you get to three then you’re too close.
2. The left-hand turn. You’re approaching a traffic light and need to make a left-hand turn. There are people across from you also waiting to turn left, and blocking your view of oncoming traffic. Avoid the urge to hit the gas and hope no one is coming. That reaction often results in an accident.
3. Parking lot fender benders. People aren’t thinking about driving when in a parking lot. They are either thinking about what they need to do if they are arriving at that destination, or the next thing on their «to-do» list if they’re leaving. Go slow and assume that drivers are going to back out in front of you without looking.
4. Intersections with stop signs. These most often occur in neighborhoods where there is a two-way stop, but drivers assume it is a four-way stop. A driver pulls out assuming the other driver is going to stop, but didn’t realize there wasn’t a stop sign on the intersecting street. Even these slower-speed collisions can cause significant damage and injuries.

It’s important to stay vigilant at all times when driving, but some of these scenarios are the most popular when it comes to accidents and insurance claims. When you encounter one of these situations, remind yourself to drive with caution.

Stay road safe. Call Pan American Insurance at (915) 562-0009 for more information on El Paso auto insurance.